Aconitum multifidum

Koch.

Ranunculaceae Edible: Leaves Potential hazards — see below

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Aconitum multifidum is a hardy perennial reaching 1 m tall. It tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across a range of pH levels from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. The plant thrives in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil. Bee-pollinated flowers appear during the growing season. Hardy to UK zone 6.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

Edible Uses

The leaves have been reported as edible, with claims that this species is not poisonous. These claims should be treated with extreme caution.

Traditional Uses

Caution: The plant is poisonous. It has been reported that leaves are eaten after cooking.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Europe,

Cultivation

Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a calcareous soil. Grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes. Considered to be a part of A. napellus by most botanists, it is probably A. napellus vulgare. (Rchb.)Rouy.&Foucaud. We are keeping this record separate because the suggestion that this species is not poisonous requires investigation.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Seed can be stratified and sown in spring, but germination will be slow. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame through their first winter, and plant out in late spring or early summer. Division is best done in spring, though autumn works too. Some sources recommend autumn or late winter for dividing, as plants come into growth very early in the year.